The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-05-20
a Lady on a Cowcatcher.

Lady Macdonald in Mitrrdy's Magazine
ut is an awful thing to dol" hear voice
say, as the little group lean forward; and
for a moment feel a thrill that is very like
fear; but it is gone at once, and can think of
nothing but the novelty, the excitement and
the fun of this mad ride in glorious sunshine
and Intoxicating air, with magnificent
mountains before and around me, their
lofty peaks smiling down on us, and never
frown on their grand faces.
The pace quickens gradually, surely,
swiftly, and then we are rushing up to the
summit We soon stand on the Great Di-
viden-5, 300 feet above sea level-between
the two great oceans. AS we pass, Mr.. E
by gesture, points out small river called
Bath creek, | think which, issuing from a
lake on the narrow summit level, winds
near the track. look, and loi the water,
flowing eastward toward the Atlantic side,
turns in a moment as the divide is passed,
and pours westward down the Pacific slope.
Many tunnels lie in our way as we rush
by them, and during halt | am told one of
the tunnels is ''wet" This being inter
preted, means that the arching rock is full
of springs, which pour on the train as it
passes. An umbrella and waterproof are
therefore necessary for me-now-sole occu-
pant of the cow-catcher; and with praise
worthy economy l take off my hat tuck it
counter the "wet" tunnel thus equipped.
We plunge into a few moments darkness
water splashing and dripping on every side
and as we emerge into sunlight again and
stop Just beyond the tunnel, | see party Of
young English sportsnen standing near
the roadside. They have evidently
just climbed the bank, guns
in hand, leaving n large canoe with
two Indian peddlers on the lake below Fine,
ell 4laxv rot
tire somewhat the worse for long travel,
but very conventional in style notwith-
standing. just imagine the feelings with
which these well-reguated young men be-
held lady, bareheaded and with an UNI
brella, seated in front of an engine at the
mouth of q tunnel in the Gold Range OF
British Columbial | am sorely afraid |
laughed outright at the blank amazement
of their rosy faces and longed to tell them
what fun it was; but not being introduced,
you know" | contented myself with ac-
knowledging their presence by a solemn
little bow-which was quite irresistible
under the circumstances.
A somewhat similar incident occurred
next day during our journey in the valley
of the Frazer river. The special stopped at a
station where mule train was just start
ing for some distant gold mines, laden
with miners supplies. IL was very inter
esting to see the sturdy animals all packed
and ready, standing in regular order, wait
ing for the word of command from their
driver, which was instantly obeyed, ali fling
along at equal distances with the air of
quadrupeds of superior intelligence, who
had made up their minds to avoid hurry or
confusion. II CHANGED to be one of our halts
at tea-time, and, as usual, my cup of tea and
slice of bread-and- butter were brought
to the buffer-beam. had just been pre-
sented with two large boquets which lay in
my lap. While / leisurely slipped my tea,
there suddenly appeared before me very
thin, tall, melancholy looking American,
having something to do with the pack train
now slowly winding Off through the noun
tains. Never shall forget the expression
of that mans face as he steadily regarded
me. seated composedly on the cow-catcher,
surrounded with flowers, plate Of bread
and-butter on a candle-box near by, taking
afternoon tea. To remain silent was impos-
sible.
Good evening" I said
The man nodded and drew a long breath.
'IIave you come farm he asked, after a
long pause.
'Irrom the other side Of the Rockies"
answered carelessly, as il speaking of stroll
round village; three hundred miles or
So"
.cDid you come that way down the
Thompsonfn he next asked, little anzi-
ously.
80 yes-and am going to the sea-
"You amt afraid likelyf' he continued,
looking more melancholy than ever.
"Not at all"
"Now look here" he said pausing be-
tween each word, Otis real dangerous. ]
would not do this thing for lot of money!
Then. thrusting his hands into his pockets
with a civil "Good evening, Missis," he dis
appeared round the engine.